Artful dodger level 1: Not answering
The simplest approach to dodge the question is just to refuse to answer. You can give a straightforward refusal or to act as if no question was asked and continuing the conversation by talking about something else, or come up with straight lies.
Example
“I'm not going to answer that.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“I’ve never heard anything about that so I can’t comment.”
Analysis
Based on survey, the speaker is rated as ? (out of 10 for very honest & trustworthy). To deny or refuse to answer is the simplest way of dodging but also the easiest to be detected.
Artful dodger level 2: Answer a different question
A technique that many politicians use is to answer the question that would be asked to allow a desired point to be made. Robert MacNamara epitomized this when he said, “Never answer the question that is asked of you. Answer the question that you wish had been asked.”
Example
“Well actually I think there's a problem with the water system, ...”
“The real question is about jobs. I’ll tell you why…”
“That’s a good question, and what we do need to ask is whether people really understand...”
Analysis
Based on survey, the speaker is rated as ? (out of 10 for very honest & trustworthy). This strategy, if used well, can make audience forget the original question but explicitly changing the subject can often be caught.
Artful dodger level 3: Answer a similar question
This is the ultimate strategy because people don't seem to notice if you answer a question that's different but still similar to the one actually asked. As the response drags on, we forget how things began, and tend to assume that the speaker is still answering the question asked.
Example
“Public healthcare is certainly important, especially when illegal drug use is such a big threat…”
“I’m glad you asked about global warming, because our research has shown that environment issues are relevant to economic activities, particularly…”
Analysis
Based on survey, the speaker is rated as ? (out of 10 for very honest & trustworthy). A speaker can get away with dodging question if use this strategy subtly, while the audience won’t even notice.
Your Challenge
Watch a video of primary debate and for each question directed to a candidate, think about the following questions:
1. Is the candidate dodging the question?
2. Is he/she using a strategy mentioned above?
3. Does he/she successfully dodge the question?
Q1 To Dr. Carson
Is the candidate dodging the question?
Is he/she using a strategy mentioned above?
Does he/she successfully dodge the question?
